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A score above 100 indicated degrees of optimism, below 100, pessimism. It dipped to 65 in 2009 as people struggled in the recession.

The number of consumers positive about making purchases rose five points to 49 per cent and those positive about their personal finances rose three points to 56 per cent – the highest level on record.

Britons who say they've changed spending habits to save money dropped five points to 51 per cent – the lowest level since the question first appeared, more than six years ago.

The proportion believing the UK is in a recession stood at 47 per cent – the second lowest level since the question first appeared, more than seven years ago.

Blair years: It is only the second time the UK index has tipped past 100 - the last time was in 2006 and Tony Blair was Prime Minister

Steve Smith, managing director of Nielsen UK & Ireland, said: 'Confidence moving into positive territory for the first time in nearly a decade is certainly a landmark moment.

'Overall, the UK economy is in better shape than most other European countries, as unemployment rates are down and wage inflation is rising faster than general inflation.

'Shoppers are also seeing the benefit of lower fuel and energy costs, and households are redirecting spending proportionately to non-food items such as phones, cars and holidays.

'Within food and grocery, the categories with the strongest volume growth continue to be the more "expandable" categories of beverages, confectionery and snacks, which are typically driven by promotions and branded innovation.'

Global spend: This graph shows more people worldwide are now willing to spend on holidays while paying off debt hits the backburner

In the wider picture, the global consumer confidence index stands at 99 – in Europe, it is 81.

Germany, Europe's largest economy – is at 100. The UK is Europe's second most confident country, behind Denmark with a score of 109.

India has the highest score globally at 131, followed by the US at 119. The US saw the biggest swing, up 18 index points compared to previous.

At the other end of the scale, South Korea, Ukraine and Greece had the lowest scores.

The report also indicated discretionary spending – the money that people are spending on 'non-essential' goods – has increased strongly.

The areas people are willing to spend more is on holidays, new technology products and home improvements. Paying off debt was at the bottom of the list.

The report comes after Bank of England figures last week indicated thousands of Britons are being 'tempted to take on debt' in the form of credit cards and personal loans.

Consumer credit soared by more than expected in September, chalking up annual growth of 8.2 per cent, the strongest leap since February 2006, before the global recession struck.

The data showed £176.3billion was outstanding on credit cards and loans last month – £62.7billion of this on credit cards, £113.5billion on loans and other advances.